Have you guys noticed that we’ve picked up the pace on releasing our podcast episodes lately? Well, seeing that we’ve had SO many great interviews with so many amazing people ( Bob! April! Bex!), we’ve decided to sneak in some weekly episodes from now until the end of the year.

Tips for Your First Hot Yoga Class, the New Look of SELF, Book Vs Movie Twitter Chat

Plus: Skinny Green Smoothies eBook Giveaway!

You can win this eBook!

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

This week I want to talk about “Hot Yoga Tips,” SELF magazine’s new direction, my first Twitter chat and a cool smoothie eBook that you can win today. Let’s get to it!

Hot Yoga Tips Fit Bottomed Girls: I attended my first hot yoga class last year at Modo Yoga NYC and loved how much longer and leaner I felt afterwards. (Though the heat is murder on my frizz-tastic hair!) Anyhoo—the experience gave me the inspiration to write Tips for Your First Hot Yoga Class for Fit Bottomed Girls and I appreciate any Tweets and shares y’all can give me for it. (Thanks in advance!)

The New Look of SELF: Last March the editor in chief of SELF was fired which was unpleasant for everyone involved. So the folks at Condé Nast decided that their only fitness-centric pub should go in a whole new direction with former Cosmopolitan Executive Joyce Chang. Chang does not have a health/fitness editorial background so she has given SELF a makeover which you can read about at Fashionista, Jezebel and BET. The October issue features a beautiful model on the cover (Joan Smalls) as they celebrate “The Best Bodies in the World.” It’s very—um, fashion-centric and certainly a glammed-up version of SELF. It looks gorgeous which is a HUGE improvement upon the look of the magazine in the last year which was dog sh*t.

(However, I am reserving judgment on whether I will return to reviewing them monthly (I gave up last November as the editorial went down the “20-something only” crap hole) because this issue is a little too frou-frou and chic for my personal taste. Perhaps Joyce Chang just wants to show her classier direction and will incorporate more workouts in the future issues? I hope so but will wait until the next month before I make my decision. Good luck SELF—you look a HELL OF A LOT better. Now bring on more fitness articles!)

Book vs. Movie Twitter Chat: I participated in my very first Twitter chat this week in support of the Book vs. Movie podcast and it was about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on! (I won’t swear I went braless…) The best part of the chat (which you can follow here) was getting suggestions from the Twitter peeps on the books that have been adapted to film that we should cover. Now—let me be clear—no way do I plan to read Great Expectations. But the other suggestions were pretty amazing. SO—if you have been reading all of these bullet points diligently and have not just scanned them—please give me some suggestions below in the comments on what books YOU want Margo P. and me to cover in the future. We are pretty open-minded so fire away! Oh, and we have our own twitter handle so follow us @bookversusmovie Namaste!

My newest giveaway! Author Beth Wareham is an eBook expert and a green smoothie fanatic who writes e-mails that make me snort through my nose and laugh like a hyena. This week she is offering one of her Skinny Green Smoothie eBooks as a giveaway to one of you lucky people. And because it is an eBook I can offer it worldwide! YES! If you have a Kindle or something electronic-ish to read things—you can win this book.

Now onto this week’s Vlog and giveaway details!

More Information about Skinny Green Smoothies by Beth Wareham:

SKINNY GREEN SMOOTHIES

By Beth Wareham

“Skinny Green Smoothies” takes smoothie love to a new level using cook’s tricks to create new, deeply satisfying smoothies. We use centuries of flavor pairings as well as new ingredients to make these healthy “milk shakes’ truly sing.

Don’t whirl a smoothie that tastes of front lawn. Here, you’ll discover new ways to get essential nutrients and fatty acids into your body, turning on fat-burning DNA and creating a skinnier, more radiant you. Add sparkling waters, flavored teas, herbal infusions, fresh herbs, toasted seeds and nuts, and spices heated for 30 seconds in a dry pan that come alive and fragrant in a way you’ve never tasted. You can choose your smoothie ingredients based on your health needs on any given day – the information on health is all here – as well as create a drink you truly savor.

Approach “Back-to-School” and cold and flu season? Try the “Almost Every Citrus Green Smoothie” where citrus and spinach together help you absorb more Vitamin C than most any other food you have ever eaten. Been out too late last night? What about the “Grapefruit Parsley Detox Green Smoothie” to chase that sluggish feeling away? Need a new flavor in your Skinny Green Smoothie arsenal? Try “Sparkling Cherry Thyme Green Smoothie” for a new tingle on the tongue. That taxing morning at the office needs a good “Coconut Load Green Smoothie” to get you through.

Besides the convenience for adults, green smoothies are perfect to get vegetables and fruits into those smaller bellies – our kids. Growing developing bodies need lots of nutrients and one of the best gifts you can give your children is good food. No, he or she won’t eat those brussel sprouts but set a “Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie” down in front of them and you may have a different story.

Convenient, versatile, simple and quick, Skinny Green Smoothies will help you stop cravings and lose weight, clear your skin and head and give you the energy you need to seize the day.”

{Just a note—Beth Wareham is not sponsoring this post and will contact the winner directly and set them up with their eBook.}

If you want to win three rolls of Skinny Green Smoothies featured in the Vlog above you must do the following (Continental United States only, please!)

Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.

Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win “Skinny Green Smoothies” by @GiantSweetTart from @brooklynfitchik”

How are you all doing? I am fine and dandy in spirit but my right hamstring is sprained, strained or just in a bad mood because my leg is not feeling well. Will start with the foam rolling soon but first I need to get out this post for all of you today. You’re welcome! Just a couple of quick notes today and then on to my weekly giveaway—and away we go! (Quoting Billy Eichner here.)

SELF magazine is changing y’all: So it looks like a week after enduring terrible press after “Tutu-gate” (look it up online—SELF & Tutus and check it out for yourself if you do not know what I am talking about) editor in chief Lucy Danziger is out and in her place SELF has hired Joyce Chang from Cosmopolitan magazine to take over the reins. I am withholding all judgment until I read her first “real issue and will also hold off on any full reviews of SELF until then. (The magazine business is rough, folks!)

20-Minute Indoor Cycling Workout: I am a Sweat Pink ambassador and am lucky enough to write for their Blog www.sweatguru.com This past week posted my first workout for them– a 20-minute indoor cycling routine. Please let me know what you think of it because I am totally new to writing these things out!

Xtend Barre Brooklyn Heights: This past week I was lucky enough to try out my first Xtend barre workout in their new Brooklyn Heights studio. Will give you more details when my article is ready on Fit Bottomed Girls.

Runner’s World Giveaway: This week I am giving away a copy of Big Book of Running for Beginners which comes courtesy of the folks at Runner’s World magazine. I am giving away one copy this week and Runner’s World (who did not pay for this promotion) will send the winning item directly to the randomly picked winner (chosen by me.) Continental U.S. only!

Now let’s get to this week’s Vlog:

Okay—here are more details about this week’s giveaway.

GET FIT WITH THE RUNNER’S WORLD BIG BOOK OF RUNNING FOR BEGINNERS

In Bookstores April 8, 2014

Running is one of the simplest and most effective want to lose weight, live longer, gain confidence, and relieve stress. Learn everything a beginner needs to know to lace ‘em up and hit the pavement with the latest book from Rodale Inc.’s Runner’s World magazine. The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners (April 8, 2014; ISBN 978-1-60961-537-6; 266pgs; Paperback; $21.99) provides all the information neophytes will need to take their first steps.

The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners helps readers foster a healthy lifestyle with aides such as:

Five training plans to start walking, start running, run nonstop, run faster, and run longer

No-fail weight-loss strategies

Ideas for meals and snacks to eat before you run, on the road, and after you’re done

Injury-prevention tips including a guide on which pains to run through and which pains demand surrender

Inspirational stories from people who used running as a tool to lose weight, stop smoking, overcome illness and heartache, and manage chronic pain

Whether starting from scratch, or trying to reclaim a long-lost sense of vitality, The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners has all the information a newbie needs to start a healthier and happier life.

About the Authors

JENNIFER VAN ALLEN is a special projects editor for Runner’s World and a running coach certified by USATF and RRCA. She manages The Starting Line, an online training program for beginners.

BART YASSO is the author of My Life on the Run and is the chief running officer at Runner’s World.

AMBY BURFOOT, Runner’s World editor-at-large and winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon, has run more than 105,000 lifetime miles (and counting).

Rodale’s Runner’s World, the largest and most influential media brand in the running space, is the essential guide for everyone who runs. The brand provides all runners—men and women, from beginners to hardcore marathoners—with the advice and information they need to pursue their goals, the inspiration and entertainment they crave, and a sense of authentic community they won’t find anywhere else. Runner’s World is everywhere its readers and customers are—in print, online, on-screen and on the ground. Through authentic events such as the award-winning Runner’s World Challenge, the Runner’s World Half & Festival (www.RWHalf.com), and the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival (www.HHHalf.com), Runner’s World editors forge deep connections and have meaningful interactions with our readers as an organic part of the running community. Runner’s World publishes 18 international editions: Argentina (March 2014), Australia/New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. For digital updates, visit www.runnersworld.com, Twitter (@runnersworld), Facebook (Runner’s World Magazine), as well as the brand’s mobile apps.

If you want to win this giveaway you must do the following (Continental United States only, please!)

Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.

Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win Big Book of Running for Beginners @runnersworld from @brooklynfitchik”

It’s the day after my birthday when I post this and no I will NOT tell how many spanks I should have received but let’s just say I remember the 80s–mmmkay?

My mood is a little better this week than last which might be because the temperature is above 40 degrees or maybe I was just in a bit of a funk. Let’s just say I am trying to embrace the new season that is finally arriving and ready to kick some ass again. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Today I want to talk about getting your bike ready for the spring, the “inadvertent” mess-up that is the April issue of SELF magazine and my groovy new book giveaway Functional Cross Training (three copies folks—your odds are good to win!)

Terry Bikes/Bicycling Magazine: As the fitness ambassador for Terry Bicycles (their first!) I am happy to forward along my latest Blog post for them which talks about Spring Cleaning for Your Bike. Leah Flickinger from Bicycling magazine gave me the tips and I cannot WAIT to get out on the road again. Be sure to follow Leah on Twitter as well as @BicyclingMag.

Also—you can enter to win a $500 Cycling Wardrobe from Terry Bicycles now until April 16th and you need to do is fill out one easy form, so go for it!

SELF magazine had the ‘Worst Week Ever!” Oy vey. Where do I even BEGIN here? In case you have not heard about this debacle (all of the best links are here by the way) SELF magazine asked Monika Allen if they could print a photo of her and her friend running in a race wearing tutus as they story was about running with tutus. Monika is a running coach who raises funds for Girls on The Run of San Diego with her own tutu business Glam Runner. Well it turned into a slam piece where SELF essentially mocked Monika and her friend Tara Baize for wearing tutus while running because, um– they think it is a “lame” trend.

The comment was/is juvenile, myopic and out-of-date with what is actually happening in the running world. “How dare you be different from me? We are SERIOUS about running here!”

Here’s the rub—Monika had brain cancer at the time of the run. She was in the middle of chemotherapy treatments and the photo they used of her in the Los Angeles marathon was the first time she felt healthy enough in about a year to run a full marathon. That’s right, she had a tumor in her head and she ran a marathon. Suck on that haters!

Monika asked the editors to explain their actions. After getting no response from them she did the wise thing and went to her local press. Let me tell you—the word “tutu” took off all over the Twitter and Facebookright afterwards.

Long story short (honestly—the link I sent before will give you a fuller picture) SELF’s editor in chief Lucy Danziger did the right thing by offering a heartfelt apology. (Though it is certainly not worse because Monika had cancer. It’s bad all on its own because it was a mean comment—period.)

I have not done a full post on SELF in several months because frankly, there was not enough content that deserved a full review. What I will do with my April 2014 issue is toss it directly into the recycling bin unread. I will feature SELF again when they prove themselves worthy of the trust of all of the women working hard to get healthy.

My Functional Cross Training Giveaway: This week I have three copies of Functional Cross Training from Brett Stewart & Jason Werner which is published by Ulysses Press. Whoo hoo! Scroll down below for all of the details on how you can win. (Note—Ulysses Press will send the book directly to each winner and they did not pay for this promotion!)

Now let’s get to this week’s Vlog where I talk all about this plus my warning to Bloggers everywhere when dealing with the media.

Whew! Are you ready to hear more about Functional Cross Training? (Three copies are being given away, people!)

Whether your goal is to drop a few pounds, build muscle, increase your running speed, or a little bit of everything, Functional Cross Training offers six progressive programs that will push you to your full potential and get you the body you’ve always wanted.

“This book is the workout partner that you’ve always wanted,” explains author Brett Stewart. “The only thing that’s between you and achieving your fitness goals is taking the first step and getting started!”

About the Authors

Brett Stewart is a certified personal trainer, a running and triathlon coach, and an endurance athlete who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. An avid multisport athlete, Brett has completed dozens of triathlons, marathons, ultra-marathons, and obstacle races. His books and fitness tips can be found at 7weekstofitness.com. Jason Warner is an ISSA Certified Strength Trainer, fitness and sports enthusiast, ultra-marathoner, triathlete, CrossFitter, and overall Olympic-lifting nut. Jason coauthored Ultimate Jump Rope Workouts and 7 Weeks to 10 Pounds of Muscle. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife and three kids.

If you want to win this giveaway you must do the following (Continental United States, please!)

Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.

Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win Functional Cross Training @triphx and @ulyssespress from @brooklynfitchik”

For those of you keeping score, I “broke up” with SELF magazine a few months ago and all of my reasons were stated in my “cri de coer” post this past September. After being a loyal reader for many years I felt that the new look and editorial was aiming too young and low brow. That they were reaching so far to appeal to 20-somethings that they forget about their core reader loves health & fitness and wants to add to their knowledge base.

Well I have to admit that the October issue is a vast improvement upon the last few issues (I have not reviewed SELF since May) and I am happy to feature them on my Blog. Woo hoo! Now, keep it up SELF! Don’t make me shun you again!

SELF Cover Star for October:

Lucy Hale

I have NO idea who she is but for some reason I follow actress Lucy Hale on Instagram. (She seems totally cool and adorable by the way.) Lucy’s trainer (Bryna Carracino) keeps the Pretty Little Liars star in shape with a series of “static holds” which you can see below. Her personal record for a chaturanga is two minutes seven seconds which is pretty damn impressive!

So What Else is in the October SELF?

“I Have a Strong, Athletic Body. I Wish I Loved It”

Here we get an essay from badass squash champion Ivy Pochoda who works hard to stay in shape but gets rude comments about her “mannish” legs. I want to give her a hug and let her know she is a phenomenal woman and not to give in to the body-shaming haters. (Screw them! You are awesome & fierce!)

“Master Class”

CrossFit Coach Megan May shows how to perform a righteous dead lift.

“Shopping Special”

SELF started the whole “pink ribbon” campaign for breast cancer awareness many moons ago and every October they feature “pink” items that will benefit cancer charities. So get to shopping!

“Trainer to Go”

World class trainer David Kirsch shows a few different exercises you can do in a plank position. (Plan on using these in my core classes soon!)

“How Did I Workout Without This?”

Awesome “high-tech gear” that pro football players use are featured on this page and that makes me happy. (Because I love football. Go Niners!)

“23 Minutes”

Say you truly only have a half hour at the gym to workout—these moves from Sean Begley of Plus One Fitness will help you get your sweat on in a minimum amount of time.

The Rest of the Best of the October SELF:

“Fat Talk. Old Talk” Recently I have been thinking more about the “O” word and how much I hate it when people my age or much younger use it to describe themselves. Nice to read an article about I from someone far more eloquent than me! (Writer is Erin Bried)

“Do I Really Have to Stop Eating Bacon?” Good god I hope not! In the October issue we get “Women’s Cancer Handbook” which talks about which “bad habits” you need to nix to ward off disease.

Overall Grade:

B Big improvement over the last few months and I tore out many pages to keep on file which is always a good sign.

How is everyone? Good, I hope! Today I want to break from my usual litany of weekly nonsense to just one single subject—getting older. This is NOT a topic that I dwell on very often and normally it is not a “thing” for me. I just happen to be one of those weirdoes who doesn’t bother with “acting my age” or have “life plan” on where I want to be at different stages of my life. My attitude has been to just hop along and figure things out on my way.

However, this past week I have been hearing several disturbing stories about women either beating themselves up for acting “old” or being told they are old as part of a punch line. Sooo, this has caused me to confront some of my own insecurities which is never fun but (almost) always a useful thing. So now—let’s get to gettin’.

MizFit and moi at Fitbloggin 2012

It all started with the fabulous and amaze-balls Carla Birnberg of Mizfit Online who posted a thoughtful piece called Is Old Talk the New Fat Talk? Carla is a mom to a brilliant young girl dubbed “The Tornado” and as a gluten-free, healthy lifestyle goddess she wishes to make sure her daughter never hears the word “fat” come from her lips. Instead Carla wants her daughter to embrace the idea of being healthy & strong versus skinny. To love taking care of herself and not to see it as a chore.

But Carla noticed that she was using the word “old” in front of The Tornado much more frequently over the last few years and wondered what affect it could have on her self-image in the future? Will she fear aging or see herself as “less than” as she grows up? Really interesting stuff to ponder and it did indeed make me go “hmmm.” (Shit—I am aging myself, aren’t I?)

Lucy Hale photographed by Dewey Nicks

Then last night I picked up the October SELF and was prepared to make fun of it AGAIN for being hyper-focused on appealing to 20-somethings (you can find my rant about it here.) Instead, I was delighted to see an article self-written by a 36 year-old (who hates her thighs but I will write about that some other time) plus an actual feature lamenting young women who describe themselves as “old” with no justification at all—“Fat Talk, Old Talk.”

An example being: “I’m kind of an old lady. After 11, I’m like, ‘Don’t these kids ever get tired.’ Jennifer Lawrence, 23

Trust me, as a veteran of the 20-something years, knitting and enjoying quiet time is not an age-related thing. You are not supposed to party like Miley Cyrus all day. That’s how you end up NOT seeing your 30’s. And if you are in your twenties—do not whine about getting old. It’s tedious and makes you look like a moron.

Sarah Silverman

So then my brain went in a new direction and it reminded me of a clip I saw online this past week when actress/comedian Sarah Silverman talked about her experience being the butt of ageist jokes at the Comedy Central Roast for James Franco.

I did not see the Roast but apparently Sarah was the victim of several “old” jokes during the program and very ably describes her feelings about the sexist treatment on the program Totally Biased. WTF? Sarah is old? Honestly, can you name anyone in show business who acts and exudes more youthful enthusiasm? (Man, show business sucks.)

Shaking my head.

All of this brought me back to a moment three years ago where I was at a meeting to talk about a business plan. In the proposal I was asked to include a headshot which I didn’t (and still do not have) so I included a favorite photo of mine. See below.

It was taken in 2002 which I realize was a while ago but I only recently learned about my “best side” when facing a camera. The photo below is one I always thought was a nice shot of me and caught my “essence.” (Sorry it is so small! It’s my only version.)

The dude I met with said in an off-hand manner “when you formally hand this in, pick another picture. You don’t look like this anymore.”

Ouch. Oof. It was done so casually and out of the blue that I didn’t tell him to piss off. I just nodded my head and laughed. But that comment really dug in. I don’t look like “that” anymore. I look like “this” now.

It’s a nice face and I like it very much. But I know that in this culture, youth is valued and I am not considered young anymore except maybe by the Social Security office. I am not young and I am not old so my life is at a middling stage (Not middle-aged—an expression I just loathe.)

There are so many things I can do now that I could not do when I was younger. A tricep pushup, a century ride, tuck jumps—the list goes on.

But women in our society are supposed to just take all of our knowledge and experience and hide away because our beauty is starting to fade away. Why is this okay by everybody?

I am still ruminating on this topic but would love to hear your feedback. What say you? What is “old?” How do you define yourself when it comes to age? I would really love to hear your thought on the topic!

How is everyone today? Good? Great to hear! I am back in the Vlogging saddle and to be honest—did not have a clue this morning what the heck I was going to talk about today. Then right in the middle of teaching a class this morning the song My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music popped in my head and I said to myself “How about just talk about your favorite things from the past week?” And that was that. So today I am bring to you the things that are making me happy this week. You’re welcome!

Plus, I talk about a magazine that I have not spoken about in months because they changed their editorial direction to young (and must be dumb) twenty-somethings. It brings me a heavy heart to do this as I try to mainly focus on the positive but I know many of you feel the same way so I am planning an intervention with the used-to-be great SELF magazine and hope it makes some difference.

The Instagram account for WhaleoPaleo: Yes, yes—I know many of you are tired hearing about “primal” and “paleo” eating but if you are just in the market some fresh ideas on organic cooking then you must add these guys to your list on Instagram. This weekend I attempted the “Cashew Hummus” recipe and it turned out so freaking dope! (That’s good, by the way.) You can still find me on Instagram at brooklynfitchick where I like to post about all sorts of things (but mainly post photos of my cute kitty cats!)

The Guiness ad featuring hot guys playing “Murder Ball.” I am not sure where the connection comes in (unless it is the standard “dudes love beer” thing) but it made me very happy to see it.

Eminem made a bizzare appearance over the weekend during the Notre Dame/Michigan football game. First of all—his face does not MOVE the entire time. Then there is Brent Musberger introducing his latest single, Bezerk, heading for “the top of the charts” while Em’s mouth just sort of hangs WIDE OPEN. Finally he finishes it off by very lucidly detailing his “fantasy football announcers team” of all time to call the Super Bowl– Brent Musberger, Pat Summerall, John Madden and Al Michaels. (He is ABSOLUTELY right about them by the way.)

The song and video for Royals by Lorde—a 16 year-old (!) singer and songwriter from New Zealand. I am no longer weeping for the millennial generation—hooray!

Finally—I am holding an official intervention for SELF magazine. Several months ago it was reported in the New York Times that SELF was changing their editorial to appeal to 20-something readers. That is their prerogative. But as someone who has been a subscriber and fan for many years the news distressed me and unfortunately it has proven to be for good reason. In fact, the “new” SELF is “meh” for my taste and for that reason I have not featured them on my Blog for several months now.

Here are my main issues/problems with the new SELF:

Putting the age of reader’s questions everywhere. Constantly reinforcing that your readers are in their 20s doesn’t interest me (who cares?) There are already magazines for 20-somethigs (Glamour and Cosmopolitan come to mind) and good health should be a priority for women of all ages.

The “reader questions” have been lame. For example this gem–“Can a girl do a pull-up?” Grrrrr. And gawwwwww. Just make me want to spit nails. Don’t make me explain why.

The layout looks choppy. I am just not feeling the angles and colors that have been used to tell the stories. It looks as if you are trying too hard to appeal to the youth. (Who hate it when people try to appeal to them by the way.)

The content is lacking. Remember that your audience has a pretty good grasp on the basics of fitness so why not appeal to their brains and aim a little higher than 7-Day detox plans and talking about how to have drinks after work without getting fat?

Not all of the editorial has bothered me but they have lost their aspirational tone. Lately I feel as if SELF just wants me to drop a few pounds and shut up until I marry someone. Am I the only one who feels this way? It wouldn’t be the first time but I am totally bummed to have to even talk about this. But I can’t review all of the health & fitness magazines (including Fitness, Health, Shape and Women’s Health) except SELFand not explain my feelings.

Do not worry SELF. I will not abandon you! We can still be a thing. Just remember that your audience is sharp and already knows that women can do pull-ups (In fact—I could do them as a girl dammit!) They want to eat to be healthy and not “detox” (or to get skinny for an occasion.) They want to be inspired by your pages and not just look for quick and easy fixes (which will just set them up for disappointment.)

Please tell me that you are just going through a phase SELF. I still believe in you and want you to succeed. Until then, I will hang in there a bit longer.

Now onto this week’s Vlog post:

Okay—that is it for me today. This week’s Vlog post has worn me out and I need a nap now. Talk to you all later!

This weekend Wendy’s will be sponsoring SELF magazine’s Workout in the Park in New York’s Central Park. If you are interested in winning a $7 gift card to Wendy’s to try this salad for yourself (There aren’t any near me or I would try them myself!) Please post a comment below and I will be giving away 3 Wendy’s Gift Cards to 3 lucky winners.

I will pick the three winners next Friday, May 17th at NOON eastern time. US only please!

Good luck and here is more information about the event and Wendy’s new salad option.

IT’S NO SECRET: Wendy’s® SPONSORS SELF MAGAZINE’S Workout in the Park Events TO BRING YOU THE FRESHEST DEAL IN TOWN

Just in time for salad season, Wendy’s is sponsoring SELF Magazine’s Workout in the Park events in Washington, D.C., New York City and Chicago. Wendy’s is the first national restaurant chain to sponsor the event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

At the event, Wendy’s will be sharing its best-kept secrets in salads, such as hand-leafing and chopping whole heads of fresh romaine every day rather than using bagged romaine lettuce, and serving warm chicken breast, grilled and hand-chopped right in Wendy’s kitchens – unlike other café-like places that serve it cold and pre-bagged at a factory.

On Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wendy’s will “bring the fresh” to SELF Magazine’s Workout in the Park event at Central Park in New York City to delight consumers with:

On-Site Salad Preparation and Sampling: Consumers’ cravings for fresh ingredients will be satisfied with FREE samples of half-sized portions of the popular Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and FREE $5 gift cards to sample any of Wendy’s Garden Sensations® Salads in its restaurants.

Interactive Q&A with a Registered Dietitian: Tara Gidus,registered dietitian and nationally recognized expert and spokesperson on nutrition, fitness, and health, will be available to educate visitors on Wendy’s and provide her own secrets for creating and choosing the perfect summer salad.

Instaprint Snapshots: Consumers who upload pictures on Instagram® using the hashtag #NowThatsFresh will be able to instantly print and pick up their captured moment at the Wendy’s tent, giving attendees a modern day photo booth!

LEARN MORE:

Visit wendys.com/secrets for more information on Wendy’s best-kept secrets in salads for a chance to win a $25 gift card*. Follow Wendy’s on Facebook.com/Wendys and on Twitter @Wendys #NowThatsFresh for latest updates from the events.

I think Kelly looks fantastic and am very happy that she is seeking to be a healthy role model to young girls rather than being just another skinny famous person. But I don’t know—there is something a little strange to me that as a teen she felt harassed by the media for talking how her looks and then she gets a talk show where she makes fun of people for the way they dress. (E’s Fashion Police)

Anyone else feel this way?

Or am I over analyzing this one? (It wouldn’t be the first time!)

Really love Kelly’s bathing suit on the cover by the way. (OMG it is from Betsey Johnson—no wonder I love it so much!)

So What Else is in the May SELF?

“Drop 10 Workout”

Trainers Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgson of Tone it Up are back at it with a whole new workout this month that you can tear out and take to the gym.

“Dying to Try it—Pull-Ups”

Trainer Kiley Schoenfelder (http://kfitnyc.com/) shows women how to do a real pull-up. (It’s not that scary, people!)

By the way, Kiley is a Type 1 Diabetes athlete! How incredible is that? Go Kiley! (SELF editors—you must do a story about her!)

SELF knows how to make this Fit Chick happy—put in some bike gear! (So who is going to get me the Stella Mccartney-designed Adidas jacket?)

“SELF: 2013 Healthy Beauty Awards”

I love beauty stories and here we get the best of the best in lotions and potions as decided by SELF readers.

The Rest of the Best of the March SELF:

“How Bad Is It to Have a Drink Before You Work Out?” I was ready to make fun of this article when two (count ‘em two) of my friends told me they have worked out “tipsy” before. So apparently this is a real thing that happens. (Gawd—I am so out of it!)

“Why Didn’t I Step In?” Here we get a very interesting and thought-provoking essay from Sushma Subramanian whose friend died of liver failure at 26. Holy sh*t!!

Overall Grade:

B+ It was a great issue but I wish they not make the copy so young sounding. It comes off a little teenager-ish at times.

Have you read the June SELF yet? What do you think of Kelly Osbourne? One a scale of 1-10, how cute is her bathing suit?

SELFMagazine’s wildly popular outdoor health, fitness, and wellness festival, Workout in the Park, returns to New York on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

SELF Workout in the Park is a transformative day of unique experiences, including invigorating classes from CRUNCH gym, beauty and fashion consultations, nutritional know-how, and tons of freebies and giveaways from SELF and additional sponsors. For the past two decades, the well-regarded event, which sells out in New York each year, has inspired tens of thousands of women to re-energize their lives.

A one-year SELF Magazine subscription is included with the purchase of every Workout in the Park ticket.

WHAT: SELF MAGAZINE’S WORKOUT IN THE PARK

WHERE: Central Park (Rumsey Playfield)

WHO: SELF Magazine and thousands of women seeking their best summer selves

Special Celebrity Host: Shay Mitchell, star of ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars: Shay will share her fitness tips on how to shape your body, improve self-esteem and look great for summer!

Special Guest Appearance: Bethenny Frankel, founder of Skinnygirl Daily: Join Bethenny for a bit of health, happiness and nutrition; she’ll be hanging out with fans and maybe even joining in on a few yoga moves!

Special Guest Emcee: Danielle Monaro of Z100: Danielle will bring her amazing energy to the event, giving the scoop on what’s happening at WIP throughout the day.